It has been awhile since I’ve posted anything. I’ve been busy writing.  The final draft of Unraveling A Gentleman is down to the final four chapters.

Finally getting to this point has been an adventure. It all started three years ago. Yes it has taken me three years to write this book.  Why? I had to learn the craft again. I had forgotten so much over the years.  While I wrote during the time between college and now, most of the information was technical in nature, not romance. I had to learn to write fiction.

What have I learned? I am not a pantster. Nope, I need a plan. Not only do I need a plan, I need a detailed plan. I am currently plotting A Kiss and a Dare, the second book in the trilogy and I like working out all the kinks in the plot first. I know my characters, I know where they are going. I know what they want. This gives me ample time to trip them up.

I’m a bit sad to be at the end of this book. Sarah and Robert are like my old friends now.  I’m sorry to see them go, but don’t worry, they’ll make cameo’s in the next two.

There is this listlessness that comes at the end of a project. You almost don’t want it to end as the next step is frightening. What is the next step for Unraveling? Queries and contests.

I face my biggest challenge yet: Sending my baby out into the world to hopefully find its way.   Hitting send on those emails is going to be painful.

Well, it’s day 13 in 2010 and have I written anything yet?  No, but I have made some plans.

I have spent some time evaluating what goals I want to set for my writing this year and how I will accomplish them.   In deciding how to accomplish them, I am looking at scheduling writing time in the evenings and sticking to it.

I’m also decluttering my writing space.  It is just too much clutter to allow my muse to work.  My husband is in shock.  I never declutter anything!  But this weekend, I’m donating books to the library to make room for new ones and pitching anything that is blocking my muse.

I’m spending some time exercising.  I use it to listen to Jane Austen Audio books.  Listening to Jane Austen’s audio books has really helped me understand the cadence and rhythm of the language of the regency. I’m hoping that it will rub off on my dialogue.

I’ve also aquired two wonderful ladies for critique partners.  I’m hopeless at editing my own work so this already has been helpful.  I’m entering at least two contests this year: Moonlight & Magnolias and Royal Ascot.  I’m putting my baby out there for someone to look at and criticize.

2009 was truly a year of learning my craft.  I am hopeful that 2010 will be the year I do some serious writing.  I’m itching to put words on the page.  Even my co-workers can tell when I’ve not spent enough time writing.  I guess I’m cranky.  They can also tell when I’ve been writing as well.  I guess my emails are a bit more “proper” when I am.  Then there is the difference in spelling between the Queen’s english and American english.

What plans are you making to achieve your writing goals this year?  What advice do you have for me in getting organized and ready to write?  I look forward to your comments.